As most developing nations aim to be middle-income countries by 2030, focus on industrialization becomes an inevitable agenda. Industrialization will not only improve on the living standards of the masses through creation of employment opportunities. It will also contribute to the development of rural and semi-urban areas into fully fledged cities and towns.
Kenya’s vision 2030 aims at strengthening capacity of local industries by supporting local manufacturing. The country aims at having the manufacturing sector contribute to 20% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by the year 2030. Currently, 93% of the electricity being used in Kenya comes from renewable energy sources namely hydro-power, solar, thermal, geothermal and wind power. While this is commendable, it is inevitable that there will be more demand for energy from industry and households as the country focuses on industrialization to transform it into a middle-income country.
To support the government’s ambitious plans regarding industrialization and the continued shift to clean energy, the Kenya Innovative Finance Facility for Water (KIFFWA) is supporting the development of a 3.8 MW hydro-power plant in the Western part of the country. This will be the first hydro power project along River Yala in Siaya County, that will be connected to the national grid.
The project is already receiving regional recognition after the lead developer was nominated among the finalists of the best renewable energy project in Sub-Saharan Africa by Serengeti Energy. The gala award will be held later this month in Cape Town, South Africa. KIFFWA is proud to be associated with the project and of the lead developer, Michael Lando of African Resource Consultancy Ltd (ARC), for making it to the finals and wish him all the best.
The expected impact for the project is: –
- Contribution of 3.8 MW of clean, reliable and renewable energy to the national grid
- Improved road infrastructure in the area owing to the planned upgrade of the access road to the project site
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions of up to approximately 8,000 tons of CO2 per year
- Creation of an estimated 100 direct and indirect jobs
Last week the KIFFWA team represented by Clement Wandera- Investment Officer, Ruth Onyango- Technical Officer and Effie Mutio – Legal and Corporate Affairs Officer together with the lead developers visited the project site to engage with representatives of the local community. On completion of this project, the area community will benefit from annual lease payments, a royalty program for the affected landowners, as well as a trust fund to address social challenges facing the community.
KIFFWA is determined to ensure that we bring on board more projects that have a renewable energy aspect not only for household usage but also for industrial use. This is part of supporting the Kenyan Government quest of ensuring 100% achievement on SDG 7 by the year 2028.
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